About Richard James

In the age of "go green", environmental awareness and the celebration of all things eco, fine-art photographer Richard James is urban, all city, and all built environment. But don't get him wrong, it's not the gritty side of life Richard concentrates on -- it's the beautiful scenes, landmarks, architecture, parks, and cityscapes that he turns his lens toward. For this 50 year old native New Yorker (his family has lived in New York for 180 years), the built environment is the thing -- the urban drama of architecture so apparent in his collection of New York images.

"Most city photographers shoot people. I work the other side of the street, if you will, the built environment. There's a great simplicity to work that showcases the beauty and inspiration of the architect. Minus the people, the art has a peaceful quality about it. New York is truly a beautiful city."

One of Richard's images, "Golden Liberty" was honored with a placement in Times Square. A new take on an oft photographed subject, the Statue of Liberty.

"The challenge when photographing the most photographed city in the world, is how do you make it different? I try odd angles, tight compositions, unusual lighting, or colors outside the norm. That's what makes a snap shot into a work of art. I hope", he says with a laugh.

Fine-art photographer Richard James, is a former advertising creative director. A licensed New York City Tour Guide, he lives with his wife Annie, on New York's Upper West Side in a 110 year old New York brownstone row-house.